I hope our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us, that the less we use our power the greater it will be.
Wisdom I know is social. She seeks her fellows. But Beauty is jealous, and illy bears the presence of a rival.
So confident am I in the intentions, as well as wisdom, of the government, that I shall always be satisfied that what is not done, either cannot, or ought not to be done.
War is an instrument entirely inefficient toward redressing wrong and multiplies, instead of indemnifying losses.
It is our duty still to endeavor to avoid war but if it shall actually take place, no matter by whom brought on, we must defend ourselves. If our house be on fire, without inquiring whether it was fired from within or without, we must try to extinguish it.
The republican is the only form of government which is not eternally at open or secret war with the rights of mankind.